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Cancer Treatment Reviews Apr 2016Combined-modality treatment of head and neck cancer is becoming more common, driven by the idea that organ(s) preservation should maintain patient appearance and the... (Review)
Review
The effects of swallowing disorders, dysgeusia, oral mucositis and xerostomia on nutritional status, oral intake and weight loss in head and neck cancer patients: A systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Combined-modality treatment of head and neck cancer is becoming more common, driven by the idea that organ(s) preservation should maintain patient appearance and the function of organ(s) involved. Even if treatments have improved, they can still be associated with acute and late adverse effects. The aim of this systematic review was to retrieve current data on how swallowing disorders, dysgeusia, oral mucositis, and xerostomia affect nutritional status, oral intake and weight loss in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients.
METHODS
A systematic literature search covered four relevant electronic databases from January 2005 to May 2015. Retrieved papers were categorised and evaluated considering their methodological quality. Two independent reviewers reviewed manuscripts and abstracted data using a standardised form. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the Edwards Method Score.
RESULTS
Of the 1459 abstracts reviewed, a total of 25 studies were included. The most studied symptom was dysphagia, even if symptoms were interconnected and affected one other. In most of the selected studies the level of evidence was between 2 and 3, and their quality level was from medium to low.
CONCLUSIONS
There are limited data about dysgeusia, oral mucositis and xerostomia outcomes available for HNC patients. There is a lack of well-designed clinical trials and multicenter-prospective cohort studies, therefore further research is needed to ascertain which aspects of these symptoms should be measured.
Topics: Combined Modality Therapy; Deglutition Disorders; Dysgeusia; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Nutritional Status; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Quality of Life; Stomatitis; Weight Loss; Xerostomia
PubMed: 27010487
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2016.03.006 -
Journal of Neurology Jul 2022To explore cognitive, EEG, and MRI features in COVID-19 survivors up to 10 months after hospital discharge.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
To explore cognitive, EEG, and MRI features in COVID-19 survivors up to 10 months after hospital discharge.
METHODS
Adult patients with a recent diagnosis of COVID-19 and reporting subsequent cognitive complaints underwent neuropsychological assessment and 19-channel-EEG within 2 months (baseline, N = 49) and 10 months (follow-up, N = 33) after hospital discharge. A brain MRI was obtained for 36 patients at baseline. Matched healthy controls were included. Using eLORETA, EEG regional current densities and linear lagged connectivity values were estimated. Total brain and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) volumes were measured. Clinical and instrumental data were evaluated between patients and controls at baseline, and within patient whole group and with/without dysgeusia/hyposmia subgroups over time. Correlations among findings at each timepoint were computed.
RESULTS
At baseline, 53% and 28% of patients showed cognitive and psychopathological disturbances, respectively, with executive dysfunctions correlating with acute-phase respiratory distress. Compared to healthy controls, patients also showed higher regional current density and connectivity at delta band, correlating with executive performances, and greater WMH load, correlating with verbal memory deficits. A reduction of cognitive impairment and delta band EEG connectivity were observed over time, while psychopathological symptoms persisted. Patients with acute dysgeusia/hyposmia showed lower improvement at memory tests than those without. Lower EEG delta band at baseline predicted worse cognitive functioning at follow-up.
DISCUSSION
COVID-19 patients showed interrelated cognitive, EEG, and MRI abnormalities 2 months after hospital discharge. Cognitive and EEG findings improved at 10 months. Dysgeusia and hyposmia during acute COVID-19 were related with increased vulnerability in memory functions over time.
Topics: Adult; Anosmia; COVID-19; Cognition; Cognitive Dysfunction; Dysgeusia; Electroencephalography; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Neuropsychological Tests; Survivors
PubMed: 35249144
DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11047-5 -
Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology 2015Taste is of great importance for the feeding process. Seen in this light, it is essential to investigate this sense in children as developing human beings. However,... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Taste is of great importance for the feeding process. Seen in this light, it is essential to investigate this sense in children as developing human beings. However, despite little variation in the use of tests that measure the gustatory capacity, there are still questions about the applicability and effective use of tools for quantitative assessment in children.
OBJECTIVE
To search the literature on quantitative instruments used for the evaluation of taste used in studies with children.
METHODS
A search was conducted in the PUBMED and Web of Science platforms, and subsequently, the identified articles were selected and reviewed. The descriptors and terms used were "taste," "child," "assessment," "diagnosis," and "dysgeusia". Original articles related to the theme in English, restricted to children and with no year limitation, were selected. Studies conducted in other stages of human development, exclusively or concurrently with the pediatric population; animal studies; literature review articles; dissertations and book chapters; and case studies and editorials were excluded. The data analysis was performed through a cataloging protocol created for this study, including the following points: author, research department, year, location, population/sample, age, purpose of the study, methods, and primary results.
RESULTS
5613 items were found. 5307 were excluded based on title, 248 by abstract analysis, and 43 by full text evaluation. Fifteen articles were selected for analysis; of these, six were repeated articles, and thus nine articles were selected for review.
CONCLUSION
The tests aiming at evaluation of taste were judiciously used, ensuring reliability for future research, which may employ methods similar to previous studies.
Topics: Child; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Humans; Reproducibility of Results; Taste
PubMed: 25458259
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2014.04.002 -
Supportive Care in Cancer : Official... Apr 2016Taste perception is frequently altered in cancer patients. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on advances in understanding of the basic biology and... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Taste perception is frequently altered in cancer patients. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on advances in understanding of the basic biology and physiology of taste and how taste and flavor may be impacted in cancer and its treatment.
METHODS
A succinct review of the literature on the biology and neurology of taste, taste evaluation, and the impact in oncology is provided.
RESULTS
Advances have occurred in the study of the gustatory system. Taste and smell are commonly affected during cancer care, and specific chemosensory complaints may persist in large numbers of cancer survivors. Limited study in oncology patients is available despite the significant impact that taste and smell have on oral intake and general physical and social well-being.
CONCLUSIONS
Taste and flavor has had limited study in cancer therapy. Impact on taste and flavor can result in changes ranging from elimination of taste to taste distortions that may be associated with taste aversions, nausea, and dietary compromise. New therapeutics and new approaches in oncology may have additional impact upon taste that requires further study. This paper reviews the current understanding of taste function, taste testing, and its potential impact on cancer care, to serve as a guide for directing further research.
Topics: Dysgeusia; Female; Humans; Male; Neoplasms; Survivors; Taste; Taste Perception
PubMed: 26820877
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-016-3083-8 -
Chemical Senses Mar 2019Dysgeusia (abnormal taste) is common in those with chronic kidney disease and contributes to poor nutritional intake. Previous sensory work has shown that taste improves...
Dysgeusia (abnormal taste) is common in those with chronic kidney disease and contributes to poor nutritional intake. Previous sensory work has shown that taste improves after dialysis sessions. The goal of this pilot study was to characterize altered taste perceptions in patients on dialysis compared with healthy adults, and to evaluate relationships between serum parameters with taste perceptions. We hypothesized that patients undergoing dialysis would experience blunted taste intensities compared with controls, and that serum levels of potential tastants would be inversely related to taste perception of compounds. Using a cross-sectional design, we carried out suprathreshold sensory assessments (flavor intensity and liking) of tastants/flavors potentially influenced by kidney disease and/or the dialysis procedure. These included sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium phosphate, phosphoric acid, urea, ferrous sulfate, and monosodium glutamate. Individuals on maintenance hemodialysis (n= 17, 10 males, range 23-87 years) were compared with controls with normal gustatory function (n=29, 13 males, range 21-61 years). Unadjusted values for intensity and liking for the solutions showed minimal differences. However, when values were adjusted for participants' perceptions of water (as a control for taste abnormalities), intensity of monosodium glutamate, sodium chloride, and sodium phosphate solutions were more intense for patients on dialysis compared with controls. Some significant correlations were also observed between serum parameters, particularly potassium, for dialysis patients and sensory ratings. These results suggest altered taste perception in patients during dialysis warrants further study.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dysgeusia; Female; Food Preferences; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; Renal Dialysis; Taste Perception; Young Adult
PubMed: 30629153
DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjz001 -
Oral Diseases Jan 2020Oral healthcare professionals are frequently confronted with patients using drugs on a daily basis. These drugs can cause taste disorders as adverse effect. The...
OBJECTIVE
Oral healthcare professionals are frequently confronted with patients using drugs on a daily basis. These drugs can cause taste disorders as adverse effect. The literature that discusses drug-induced taste disorders is fragmented. This article aims to support oral healthcare professionals in their decision making whether a taste disorder can be due to use of drugs by providing a comprehensive overview of drugs with taste disorders as an adverse effect.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The national drug information database for Dutch pharmacists, based on scientific drug information, guidelines, and summaries of product characteristics, was analyzed for drug-induced taste disorders. "MedDRA classification" and "Anatomic Therapeutical Chemical codes" were used to categorize the results.
RESULTS
Of the 1,645 drugs registered in the database, 282 (17%) were documented with "dysgeusia" and 61 (3.7%) with "hypogeusia." Drug-induced taste disorders are reported in all drug categories, but predominantly in "antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents," "antiinfectives for systemic use," and "nervous system." In ~45%, "dry mouth" coincided as adverse effect with taste disorders.
CONCLUSION
Healthcare professionals are frequently confronted with drugs reported to cause taste disorders. This article provides an overview of these drugs to support clinicians in their awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of drug-induced taste disorders.
Topics: Databases, Pharmaceutical; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Dysgeusia; Humans; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Taste Disorders; Xerostomia
PubMed: 31532870
DOI: 10.1111/odi.13199 -
BMC Oral Health Sep 2023Early studies have highlighted the possible development of dysgeusia and anosmia in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, and these...
BACKGROUND
Early studies have highlighted the possible development of dysgeusia and anosmia in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, and these manifestations should be considered a potential indication of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). As potential contributors to these symptoms, dentists should perform careful oral and oropharyngeal examinations and document suspicious oral lesions in patients with COVID-19, especially in those who complain of loss of taste and smell. The study's objective was to assess the prevalence of oral manifestations among ambulatory unvaccinated symptomatic patients with suspected COVID-19 during the acute phase of the disease.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study evaluated oral manifestations in adults (aged ≥ 18 years) with suspected and confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare data between the groups (rRT-PCR-positive and rRT-PCR-negative patients).
RESULTS
One hundred thirty-six participants were included. Most were female (n = 79; 58.1%), with a mean age of 39.53 (± 14.17) years. Of these, 54 (39.7%) had a positive rRT-PCR test, and 82 (60.3%) had negative rRT-PCR results. Oral manifestations were observed in 40 participants (74.1%) in the rRT-PCR-positive group and 67 participants (81.7%) in the rRT-PCR-negative group. The most common oral manifestations were xerostomia (n = 85; 62.5%) and dysgeusia/ageusia (n = 57; 41.9%). Different rates of gingivitis (n = 12; 22.2% vs. n = 5; 6.1%; p = 0.005) and halitosis (n = 7; 13.0% vs. n = 1; 1.2%; p = 0.007) were observed between the rRT-PCR-positive and -negative groups, respectively. Mouth ulcers, glossitis, tongue coating, and petechiae were reported in both groups without significant differences.
CONCLUSIONS
A high prevalence of oral manifestations was observed in symptomatic patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
This study highlights the importance of routine oral examinations by dentists as part of the multidisciplinary care of COVID-19 patients.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Female; Male; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dysgeusia; Polymerase Chain Reaction
PubMed: 37759210
DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-03325-z -
European Review For Medical and... Sep 2022Zinc insufficiency has been proposed to play a role in taste and smell impairment in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Therefore, this study aimed at...
OBJECTIVE
Zinc insufficiency has been proposed to play a role in taste and smell impairment in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Therefore, this study aimed at comparing salivary zinc levels in COVID-19 patients with and without dysgeusia.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A total of 127 participants were recruited for this study. The patients were divided into three groups based on their COVID-19 test results and taste impairment. Groups I and II were COVID-19 positive with and without taste loss, respectively. Group III included the negative control participants. Salivary zinc levels were measured at baseline in all groups and three months after baseline in groups I and II. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the zinc levels between baseline and three months after baseline within each group. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare zinc levels between groups with different degrees of taste loss.
RESULTS
Salivary zinc levels were significantly lower in the COVID-19 positive group with taste loss compared to levels in the group without taste loss or the negative controls (p<0.005). Three months after baseline, salivary zinc levels were significantly elevated in both COVID-19 positive groups (p<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
COVID-19 patients with dysgeusia had significantly lower levels of salivary zinc than positive and negative controls. Zinc levels were elevated after recovery, which may indicate that salivary zinc is directly associated with taste abnormalities and COVID-19 outcomes. This study showed that taste impairment is associated with lower salivary zinc levels in COVID-19 patients.
Topics: Ageusia; COVID-19; Dysgeusia; Humans; Olfaction Disorders; Zinc
PubMed: 36196740
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202209_29793 -
Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical... 2022Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults and has an extremely poor prognosis. It is rare for a high-grade glioma, or any brain tumor,...
Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults and has an extremely poor prognosis. It is rare for a high-grade glioma, or any brain tumor, to have an initial presentation of gastrointestinal symptoms. We present a rare case of a healthy 70-year-old woman who presented with symptoms of phantosmia and dysgeusia with magnetic resonance imaging findings of a brain mass confirmed via brain biopsy to be glioblastoma. Through a rare presentation, we aim to elucidate the importance of recognizing the association of phantosmia and dysgeusia to seizure auras and the critical need for diagnostic imaging to rule out organic causes such as infection and neoplasms.
PubMed: 35261469
DOI: 10.1080/08998280.2021.1990703 -
Attributes of dysgeusia and anosmia of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in hospitalized patients.Oral Diseases Apr 2022While chemosensory dysfunctions, dysgeusia and anosmia/hyposmia, are recognized as distinctive symptoms of COVID-19, their temporality of presentation and association...
OBJECTIVES
While chemosensory dysfunctions, dysgeusia and anosmia/hyposmia, are recognized as distinctive symptoms of COVID-19, their temporality of presentation and association with the patient age, gender, disease severity, and comorbidities has been sparsely studied. Hence, we evaluated the latter associations of chemosensory dysfunction, in hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Information on chemosensory dysfunction and history of chronic systemic comorbidities, if any, was obtained from 149 COVID-19 patients in an infectious disease hospital in UAE, using their medical records, as well as from a face-to-face questionnaire survey. Additionally, a modified SNOT-22 questionnaire that measures disease-specific quality of life in patients with upper respiratory tract affections was also administered.
RESULTS
Chemosensory dysfunction was reported by 94.6% of the cohort, and anosmia with dysgeusia was significantly more in males than females with severe COVID-19. Males with moderate COVID-19 and systemic comorbidities were more likely to present with chemosensory dysfunction in comparison with females. SNOT-22 questionnaire revealed that nasal blockage and runny nose were more prevalent in mild/moderate, than in the severe, state of COVID-19.
CONCLUSION
Our data confirm the commonality of chemosensory dysfunction during COVID-19 progression, and the significantly more pronounced combined dysfunction in males with severe COVID-19, and comorbidities.
Topics: Anosmia; COVID-19; Dysgeusia; Female; Humans; Male; Quality of Life; United Arab Emirates
PubMed: 33176049
DOI: 10.1111/odi.13713